Tag Archives: windows

Internet users have more options today than ever when choosing a browser.

Although there is some debate around which is the fastest browser for Windows, each choice offers its own unique features and benefits.

Take a look:

Firefox

Although Firefox has historically had issues with respect to speed and memory use, it is often regarded as one of the fastest — if not the fastest — choice among browsers.

Further, it is also easy to use and intuitive.

Chrome

In a straight speed test, Chrome outperforms Firefox — especially when it comes to loading web content programmed in HTML5.

The downside, however, is that Chrome uses significantly more system memory. If you have a slower or older system, this might disqualify Chrome from ranking among the fastest internet browsers for Windows.

Opera

If you do indeed have a slower system, or a slower internet connection, Opera might be a good choice.

It compresses web data, which ultimately speeds up loading times. Opera also generally uses less system memory than Chrome by comparison. At the same time, compressing web data can also lead to an unreliable experience.

The interface is also far less intuitive than Firefox.

Safari

Newer versions of Windows do not support Safari. That said, Safari uses the least memory of any major browser — which makes it a good choice for those users with a slower and older system.

At the same time, it is by far the slowest of the five major browsers we are reviewing.

Internet Explorer

For those of you with an older system who may still be using Internet Explorer, you will be pleased to know that this browser is very fast.

Its downside, however, is that it loads HTML5 content very slowly, which is the way of the future online. It can also be a beast when it comes to memory and energy usage.

So which is the fastest browser for Windows?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct answer to this question. A lot of it depends on the speed, age and configuration of your system — as well as what you tend to view online.

If you have a fairly new and powerful system, Chrome would be an excellent choice.

If your system is a bit older or slower, you might benefit from using Firefox or Opera.

As most of us already know, Windows 10 will officially be available on July 29, 2015. There are a variety of new features in Windows 10, many of which will come as a pleasant surprise for those running Windows 7 and 8.1.

Let’s take a look at seven new features in Windows 10 that are sure to be big hits.

(1) Return of the Start Menu

Windows 10 features the return of the Start Menu. The decision to remove it in Windows 8 impressed no one.

Best of all, it can be customized to remove the tiles and apps that were first introduced in Windows 8. In other words, you can set it to have the look and feel of the traditional Start Menu you’ve come to know and love.

(2) No more full-screen apps

Perhaps one of the best new features in Windows 10 is the elimination of full-screen apps – referred to as Windows 8 “Metro” apps. Those apps still exist in Windows 10, but they launch as a desktop window rather than something intended for a touchscreen experience.

(3) Improvements to the Action Center

The Action Center in Windows 10 takes on the familiar look and feel of an inbox. Notifications are all grouped in one place, and as they are resolved, they become archived.

(4) Cortana makes the jump to PC

Cortana was first introduced as your Microsoft digital assistant on Windows Phone 8.1, but she is one of the best new features in Windows 10! She has access to your hard drive, calendar, email, OneDrive, Bing, and more.

With simple voice commands, Cortana can be asked to perform basic functions for you, much like Siri on the iPhone. As luck would have it, Cortana also got a lot wittier between her first introduction and now.

(5) The introduction of Microsoft Edge

Microsoft laid Internet Explorer to rest for the greater good of us all. But one of the new features in Windows 10 is the introduction of Edge, a totally new and redesigned web browser.

It was designed for speed, and for functionality. For instance, Cortana can provide you with directions and reviews as you browse a restaurant website. You can also make notes and drawings on particular websites before sharing them with others.

(6) Improved apps for email and calendar functionality

Windows 10 boasts some significant improvements to email and calendar apps. They are much faster than Windows 8, totally responsive, and feature a variety of swipe gestures.

(7) Create multiple virtual desktops

If you do not have multiple monitors to work on, Windows 10 offers a solution with virtual desktops. You can easily create multiple desktop views, and then easily switch between them using shortcut keys.

Which new features in Windows 10 are you most excited for?

We at Target PC would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.

When regular computer maintenance doesn’t occur, you may begin to notice a decline in system performance.

Regular computer maintenance is crucial to keeping your system running smoothly, quickly, and protecting it against unwanted security threats.

In this short guide, we will review a few regular computer maintenance basics you can easily perform on your PC.

Keeps Windows Updated

For nearly two decades, Microsoft has been keeping us notified of important system updates. In fact, you may see the Windows Update icon pop up in your system tray advising you of recommended updates.

To ensure reliable and secure system performance, it is best that you install all updates Microsoft recommends. In fact, you would be wise to enable automatic updates to prevent missing anything critical.

Keep Your Security Software Updated

If not, be sure to invest in name brand security software. This is an important step in regular computer maintenance, as malicious security threats are easier to prevent than remove.

Make sure that your security software is running at all times, especially while you’re browsing the web or using any other internet-based applications.

Most security software will include automatic updates; however, to be on the safe side, it is a good idea to double check weekly that your software is up-to-date.

Keep Your Applications Updated

Many popular software applications, such as Skype and iTunes, will issue frequent updates. Although these updates are sometimes for functional reasons, they often contain security updates, as well.

If an application prompts you to update it, do so without delay.

You may otherwise find yourself at risk for various viruses or security threats.

Uninstall Unused Applications

If you have installed an application, and you no longer use it, be sure to uninstall it. This is also a good idea for any expired demos, trials, or preloaded software that came with your PC at the time of purchase.

Regular computer maintenance is as much about protecting your system against malicious threats as it is keeping clear of clutter. Each installed application adds entries to your system registry, which can lead to performance problems over time.

Also, your web browser stores temporary files, cookies, and other content that wastes precious disk space. Be sure to clear your history and cache from time to time for optimal system performance.

Defragment Your Hard Drive

Although most of us know that regularly defragmenting a hard drive will lead to improved system speeds, most people do not do it regularly.

In some cases, your Windows operating system may automatically do this for you each week. Still, if you don’t remember manually initiating a defragmentation in recent history, you would be wise to ensure it has happened.

Defragmenting your hard drive is an important part of regular computer maintenance as it streamlines the files on your hard drive, making them quicker and easier to read and access.

If you are diligent about regularly performing updates and other computer maintenance, yet you still find your PC to be sluggish, it may be time to get a professional opinion.

Contact or call the team at Target PC Repair at (440) 725-0642 to discuss the system challenges you are experiencing.